SERIES TITLE
Courageous Week 3
series overview
In a world that rewards conformity and celebrates mediocrity, what does it mean to live a life of courage? What would it look like to get outside our comfort zones and have the boldness to expect more? Join us on a courageous journey beyond the beaten path as we uncover the extraordinary life God has designed for each of us.
sermon TITLE
Courageous Unity
Sermon Summary
There is an urgent need for courageous unity in a divided world. Drawing on examples of how division manifests culturally and even within the church, Gene emphasized the Apostle Paul’s call for unity in 1 Corinthians, highlighting how quarrels and cliques can tear communities apart. He underscored the importance of focusing on the central message of the Gospel, offering three vital ways to do that. Ultimately, true unity will reflect the love of Jesus, attracting many others to the faith.
ice breaker
If you could have any fictional character as your roommate, who would it be and why?
As we ponder our preferences regarding fictional people, it is easy to see how our preferences today can become divisions tomorrow. Explore teaching to insulate yourself from toxic divisions below.
DISCUSSion
Select 3-4 questions from the list below to guide your discussion time.
- Gene shared two reasons for division in our movement. One was quarreling. Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-11. What quarrels are the most common today? Why are they so damaging?
- The commandment on quarreling is clear in 2 Timothy 2:23-24. When (or in what circumstances) is that command most hard for you to obey?
- Another reason mentioned for division is cliques. Read 1 Corinthians 1:12-17. What cliques are producing division today politically, in the church, and in your family? What is the prescription for Christ’s followers listed here?
- Saint Augustine is often quoted as saying, “In the essentials, unity. In the non-essentials, liberty. And in all things, love”. What are essentials for us as Christians? What are some examples of non-essentials where we should offer freedom? How does love cover both of these to prevent division?
- Read John 12:32 and John 17:20-21. It is clear from what Jesus said that when the church is unified, its impact is multiplied. What is one thing you or your small group can do to promote unity and discourage division? If you are experiencing the benefits of unity these days, what can you do to extend that kind of experience to others who need that kind of community?
WRAP UP & PRAYER
Please share any prayer requests you might have.
- Share any specific prayer requests with the group.
- Ask God to help us foster unity in our relationships this week.
- Pray for strength to choose love over division in disagreements.
- Request guidance to see others as God sees them.